Hoe Down in the Wild West of Winter Park

Who doesn’t love a good Hoe Down? It’s fun for the whole family.  You can go to an authentic Hoe Down in Tabernash,  just 15 minutes from Winter Park.  Sombrero Stables at Snow Mountain Ranch invites you to Hoe Down with them every Friday night, the last one is August 13th. Starting at 5:30 and ending at 9:30, you can enjoy live entertainment, wagon rides, a game of horse shoes, and kids games.  Dinner, cowboy fare of pulled pork and hot dogs with all the fixin’s and a drink, is included.  Adults are $20, children 6-12 are $15, and kids 5 and under are $8.  (There are reduced rates if you choose to eat before you go. Adults-$15, Kids $10, and Tots $5. ) Tickets are available at the Stables office. Give them a call at 970 887 1999 to reserve your saddle today.

No. 2 Hiking Trail of the Week in Winter Park, CO

Rocky Mountain National Park Hiking Trails

The second edition of the hike of the week is back for Winter Park, Colorado.  This week the hike takes a little drive from WP up to Rocky Mountain National Park.  This week’s hike is a relatively easy and short hike that goes to a beautiful waterfall and continues to a stunning meadow with great mountain views and small ponds teaming with fish.  There is a charge to get into Rocky Mountain National Park but this hike is a hike in and there is no fee.  If you continue to drive into the Park there is a charge

On the way back stop in Grand Lake and check out Colorado’s biggest natural lake with some of the best views in Colorado.

Adams Falls, East Inlet Trail – Winter Park Hike of the Week

(Rocky Mountain National Park)

BEGINNING ELEVATION: 8400ft.

ENDING ELEVATION: 8480ft.

Miles one way: .5 miles to Adams Falls, 1 mile to the glaciated valley

Rating: Easy

Trailhead Location: From the Winter Park Visitor’s Center drive north on US HWY 40 19 miles through Granby to US HWY 34 and turn right. Continue for about 15.3 miles to the Grand Lake Visitor Center and turn right in to the village of grand Lake. At the Mountain Food Market, the road will veer to the rights into Grand Lake (a wooden sign days “Welcome to Grand Lake”) veer left and follow the road for 2 miles to the end of the road to a parking lot, the trailhead is well marked.

Trail Information: This is an easy hike up to a beautiful waterfall. It is suitable for all ages. Be careful at the top of the waterfall as the water is fast and strong. Keep small children well away from the water’s edge at the falls and stay on the trail only. If you decide to, you can continue on another .5 miles past the falls in to an alpine meadow with gorgeous views of “Mt. Baldy” and ponds full of fish.

Special Trail regulations: This hike is in the Rocky Mountain National Park so no dogs or bikes are allowed.

Stay tuned next week for the third installation of the Winter Park Hike of the week.

Winter Park Hike of the Week No. 1

Winter Park, CO Memorial Day

Winter Park, Colorado Memorial Day Weekend

Memorial Day weekend is here.  The start of official summer season and the weatrher is going straight from winter to summer.  The weekend weather looks good with no precipitation in the forecast and almost all of the winter snow melted.

Looking for something to do up in Winter Park?  Well there are lots of options this year with the weather looking the way it is.  Here are some of your choices:

Fishing in Winter Park Lakes - We have a bunch of lakes here along US 40 and almost all are stocked with fish your you and the little ones. These small lakes are perfect for the kids to try to hook a big one.  They are also good for the young at heart to try to snag a few.  The one lake at the entrance to Rendezvous is supposed to be a Rendezvous owner only lake but it seems to me anyone can just walk on up and catch a few (it is a very well stocked lake).

Mountain Biking at Rendezvous – Some of the lower elevation riding here in Winter Park and the snow is all gone, there is a little mud though. This is my favorite riding in Winter Park with some rllong hills and some great flat trail along streams and a few water crossing spots.  It is some very fun biking for just about all levels depending on what trails you take.

Take a Drive Over Trail Ridge Road – The road will be open by the Friday before Memorial Day and it should make for a spectacular day to check out Rocky Mountain National Park.

Come and enjoy a Winter Park Restaurant with lots of deals going on.  Deno’s, The Sushi Bar, Back Country Grill are all offering big discounts and some great food. 

Yes summere is officialy here so come on up to see all the beauty up here.  Winter Park Resort base are operations do not open until June 12 but the a lot of stuff do do up here until then. 

Rocky Mtn. Nat. Park Opening Day May 28, 2010

Summer is on the way and nothing announces it’s arrival better than the opening day at Rocky Mountain National Park. May 28th, 2010 will start the summer season for the Alpine Visitor Center located on the Continental Divide on Trail Ridge Road.  Crews are hard at work clearing the pass to have it open in time.  Be sure to make the drive over the divide this summer, the views are incredible. You might even see some wildlife too.

Hot Sulphur Springs, CO. Mineral Baths

Mineral Baths Near Winter Park Colorado

Hot Sulphur Springs, CO is not the most original name out there but a telling name it is.  Hot Sulpher has been relaxing travelers for many, many years from as long back as the Ute Indians were running things up here in this part of Grand County.

The first inhabitants of the springs were the Ute Indians who used the hot springs for many years. The Utes believed in the healing qualities of the waters and referred to them as “big medicine” and “magic waters”, and bathed themselves, their horses and dogs, children and women in the water, in that order! The Ute Indians often set their winter hunting camps beneath the natural shelter offered by the bluffs enclosing Byers Canyon, which adjoins our property. In 1840 William Byers, for whom the canyon is named, became the first white man to discover the hot water at our little town, which he named Hot Sulphur Springs. Byers recognized the economic potential of the baths and the surrounding area. With the aid of the U.S. Cavalry and the courts, he acquired the land, somewhat deviously, from the Ute Tribe.

The resort has been continually operational for 140 years and in the 1920’s to 1950’s was one of the most popular hot springs resorts in the Rocky Mountain States. In 1997, after our extensive renovation, the Ute tribal spiritual leader blessed the waters at our opening ceremony that almost 1,000 people attended. The Ute Indians are welcome to use the springs once again. We are blessed by enjoying renewed recognition and attendance and are considered one of the best natural hot mineral springs resorts and spas in the country.

The mineral baths at Hot Sulphur Springs are a great place to spend a day.  It is nice kid friendly and a perfect place to relax after a day of skiing.

Here is a discount coupon for the mineral baths.  If you need transportation out to Hot Sulphur Springs be sure to call Curt at Valley Taxi.  They do run taxis out there and bring you back as well.

So, if you need a little relaxation in the Colorado Rockies look no further than the mineral baths in Hot Sulphur Springs.

Wells Fargo Easter Egg and Candy Hunt Winter Park, CO

Winter Park, CO Easter Candy Hunt

Looking for something fun to do with the kids for this Easter?  Winter Park Resort is hosting the Wells Fargo Easter Egg and Candy Hunt April 4th.   This is a great way to get the kids outside and enjoy some fresf Colorado mountain air.

There is also the long running tradition of the Bunny Race.  Winter Park Willie and the Easter Bunny deliver holiday fun with an on-mountain candy hunt in Discovery Park as well as a base area egg hunt for children under 5. The “Bunny Race” has been an Easter tradition for more than 30 years for children ages 10 and under. For more details, call the Guest Information Hotline at 970.726.1564.

Come out and see the Easter Bunny in his mountain garb.  Will he be hard driving bump skier like the picture above or is he the docile type hanging about the base pretending to be a skiing bunny?

Easter Candy and Egg Hunt Schedule:

11:45am: Younger non-skiing “hunters’ (ages 5 & under only) meet the Easter Bunny in the Zephyr Plaza near the Slopeside Mountain Adventure Center, and wait for the candy hunt to begin.

11:45am: All “skiing candy hunters” head to Porcupine & Bobcat Trails in Discovery Park to assemble and wait for Winter Park Willie. Children must have a valid lift ticket to access hunt.

12pm: The “hunt” begins! Parents may assist younger children to look for candy.

There is also the Golden Bunny Fun Race:

8:30-11am: Race Registration at Guest Services in the Balcony House. Parents must pre-register each child to race before 11am.

12:15-1:30pm: The untimed, FUN RACE begins at the top of Lower Village Way trail. Children will race in no particular order. Racers may take as many runs as they wish until the course closes at 1:30pm. Children must have a valid lift ticket to access race course.

This is a great way to celebrate Easter and get out of the hose and enjoy the Colorado Rockies with the little ones.

Devils Thumb Ranch Birthday Party

Devils Thumb Ranch Pony Ride Birthday Party

Having twin 2 1/2 year olds we are starting to get our fair share of birthday party invitations.  Nicholas and Willem have now been to two birthday parties.  The first at Grand Park Rec Center in the gymnastics room was fantastic.  The second was a birthday party out at Devils Thumb Ranch and it was one cool party.  They definitely didn’t do birthdays like this when I was three.

The party started out at the stables at Devils Thumb Ranch and driving up the stables are just so impressive.  We walked up and there were two of the biggest horse that I have ever seen teamed up and ready to go in their bridles.  We were offered hot chocolate and cowboy hats for the kids.  Next thing you know we are heading out on sleds pulled by the massive horses.  We took a little trip to the grazing pastures and were able to let the kids get up and close with the horses.  After some petting and playing with the horses we made our way back for a lunch around a few campfires that ended with the kids roasting smores on skewers provided by Devils Thumb.  It was then time for the little ones to take a pony ride (Willem is above on the pony enjoying himself).  The party then ended with birthday cake in the stables.

What a great idea for a little ones birthday.  The kids were able to get up and close to some impressive animals and be outside and enjoy the morning.  It was also interesting for the parents and we were able to see another side of Devils Thumb Ranch.

Have a birthday coming up for a youngster?  Check out Devils Thumb Ranch for your party.

Winter Park, Colorado Movies

Winter Park Colorado Movie Theater

We had a chance to get out this past Saturday night and go see my first movie here in Winter Park, Co in a long while, maybe 10 years or so.  The Silver Screen Cinema is in the same location and feels the same as long ago but the sound has improved and overall it is not a bad place to take in a flick.

We were able to get out of the house and see one of the wife’s favorite, Johnny Depp, in the new adaptation of Alice in Wonderland.  It was a fantastic movie with great special effects and all kinds of weird animals and Alice shrinking and growing and shrinking.  I’m sure this is one movie that would have been better in 3D but the Silver Screen Cinema is not a 3D screen.  Still the movie was great and it was nice to get out of the house on a Saturday night.

The Silver Screen Cinema, from what I’ve heard from WP locals, kinda of has gotten a bad rap.  I wholeheartedly disagree.  The complaints I have heard are the sound isn’t good and the seats are uncomfortable.  I can say the sound was more than satisfactory and the seats, while having some years on them, did not bother me one bit.

What I did like about the cinema was the small town local feel I got.  From the people to the whole setup it screams small town, laid back , Colorado ski town movie house.  No, there are not 24 different screens to see 24 crappy movies and there aren’t whole floors of video arcades to separate you from your money.  It is just a small town movie screen with small town folks taking in a show on a Saturday night.

If you need stadium seating with latest techno this and techno that head to Denver for your movie.  But if you want a nice low key evening, the Silver Screen Cinema can’t be beat to take in a showing of Alice in Wonderland.

Winter Park Colorado Mountain Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras in the Colorado Rocky Mountains

Looking for something to do in to celebrate Mardi Gras?  Well look no further, there is much to do up here in Winter Park, Colorado and this is the perfect time to head to the hills and get away from the February blues.  The snow is falling and we should have around ten inches of new snow by this coming Monday, Feb 8th, if the forecasts are to be believed.  So come check out the Winter Park Mountain Mardi Gras.

Saturday February13

12:00-5:00pm at the Winter Park Village

High Altitude Style! Come join the party in the Village to celebrate this New Orleans tradition Winter Park-style! This event features bands, street performers, festive decorations, food and plenty of beads to go around!

Music (in Starbucks Plaza)

12:00pm-1:00pm:  Louisiana Clan Dogs
1:20pm-2:20pm:  Aden Harrell & Friends Jazz Quartet
2:40pm-3:40pm:  Otones Brass Band
4:00pm-5:00pm:  Dikki Du & The Zydeco Krewe
Performers (throughout the Village)

12:00pm-5:00pm:  Salida Circus Performers (includes flame throwers, jugglers, trapeze artists, jesters & unicyclists)
12:00pm-5:00pm:  Face-Painting and Caricature Drawings
12:00pm-5:00pm:  Children’s Crafts – masks and crowns
1:00pm-3:00pm:  Giant Puppetry
2:00pm-4:00pm:  Ear2Ear Photobooth

Food (in Starbucks Plaza)

Jambalaya, crawfish, etouffee, gumbo, crepes, bread pudding and beignets provided by Village restaurants

FAT Tuesday February 16th

• 6:30-8:30pm – Mardi Gras Parade at Cooper Creek
Square: Come in costume and participate in Fat Tuesday
(Winter Park style) in the shortest, craziest, coldest
Mardi Gras Parade on Earth!
• 9pm – The Grand County Blues Society presents
Trampled Under Foot w/Samantha Fish at Smokin Moes

All of this to be had while trying to get in all the runs at Winter Park and Mary Jane Resorts.

“Laissez Les Bon Temps Roulez”

Ziggy’s Donuts Winter Park, CO

Winter Park Donuts

Looking for some good coffee and donuts in Winter Park.  Well, Ziggy’s donuts has now been open for a month here in Winter Park, CO.  Ziggy is serving up custom made donuts and some superb coffee right in downtown Winter Park.  Located in the Kings Crossing Shopping Center, right off of US Highway 40, Ziggy’s is the place for your doughnut fix.

Ziggy’s offers custom made donuts that come right off the conveyor belt and are custom hand dipped in whatever topping you chose.  There are five or six tables to enjoy your treats or a couple of counter spaces to watch the donuts being made.  The twins above, enjoying the first donuts of their lives, were mesmerized by the doughnut machine and the dipping in the custom toppings.

Ziggy’s also has coffee,  from espresso to cappuccino you can any coffee that you like from Ziggy’s magical Italian coffee machine.  They also have various Polish confections on the shelves for you to enjoy on the slopes up at the resort.

Just stop off on your way to Winter Park Resort and enjoy some fresh coffee and donuts.